Pickleball Enters Detroit: Metro Detroit is gripped by pickleball fever, as the sport gains unprecedented traction with new facilities cropping up to meet the burgeoning demand for courts and playing time. From independently owned venues to large chain facilities, the region is witnessing a pickleball boom unlike any other.
The enthusiasm isn’t just local; it’s backed by big names like pro athletes Henrik Zetterberg and Drew Brees, alongside local businessman Jay Farner, all investing in the sport’s growth. USA Pickleball reports a significant 15% increase in membership, reaching nearly 78,766 members nationwide. The Arizona-based governing body also notes a substantial rise in pickleball courts across the U.S., now totaling close to 12,000.
Michigan, notably, has emerged as a hotspot for pickleball enthusiasts, boasting 487 locations with over 31,000 courts, ranking the state 11th in court numbers nationwide, according to pickleheads.com. The state’s embrace of the sport is underscored by recent developments such as the launch of Bash Pickleball Club in Warren. This 30,000-square-foot facility, owned by brothers Kevin and Sam Brikho, features 10 courts, a pro shop, locker rooms, and lounge areas, catering to both casual players and enthusiasts alike.
“For us, pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a community,” said Sam Brikho in an interview with Detroit Metro Times, reflecting on their journey from playing at outdoor facilities to opening Michigan’s first pickleball-only venue.
The financial stakes are high too, with the global pickleball market valued at $1.47 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $2.91 billion by 2030, according to Maximize Market Research. This growth has spurred investments in state-of-the-art indoor facilities offering memberships, online reservations, and upscale amenities ranging from food and beverage services to dedicated locker rooms.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for Greystone Pickleball Club in Auburn Hills, set to open next summer with 18 courts, a full-service kitchen, and bar. Auburn Hills City Manager Thomas Tanghe expressed optimism about Michigan’s expanding pickleball scene, emphasizing the sport’s appeal across age groups and the need for indoor venues to extend playing seasons beyond the state’s limited outdoor window.
National brands are also capitalizing on the trend, with New Jersey-based PickleRage and Utah-based The Picklr set to open multiple locations in Michigan. PickleRage, in particular, plans to debut a nine-court facility in West Bloomfield, marking its entry into the Detroit market with ambitious expansion goals nationwide.
Fred Battisti, PickleRage’s head of real estate, affirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for pickleball infrastructure, highlighting the sport’s rapid rise and its appeal to players seeking state-of-the-art facilities.
As pickleball continues to sweep through Metro Detroit and beyond, fueled by passion, investment, and community spirit, it’s clear that this once niche sport has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the realm of recreational athletics.
News in Brief : Pickleball Enters Detroit
Pickleball is experiencing a surge in Metro Detroit, with new facilities meeting high demand for courts and playing time. Notable figures like Henrik Zetterberg, Drew Brees, and Jay Farner are investing in the sport’s growth. USA Pickleball reports a 15% membership increase to nearly 78,766 members nationwide, with over 12,000 courts across the U.S. Michigan ranks 11th with 487 locations and 31,000 courts. Bash Pickleball Club in Warren leads the charge with a 30,000-square-foot venue. The global pickleball market was valued at $1.47 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $2.91 billion by 2030. Greystone Pickleball Club in Auburn Hills and PickleRage’s West Bloomfield facility are set to expand Michigan’s pickleball offerings. National brands like PickleRage and The Picklr are driving growth with new locations planned across the region.
Also read: Texas Ranchers Plan to Transform Austin With the Pickleball Craze
